Heat Trap by J.L. Merrow
Review by Lauren
source: copy from Netgalley; all opinions are my own
Check out the summary on Goodreads
Review: I don’t want to spoil too much about this book as it’s the third in a series, which is why I didn’t include the official summary above. However, I can say that I absolutely love these books. I’m a big fan of m/m romance – as you probably know if you’ve read my blog for awhile – but I also love m/m books that aren’t just focused on the romance (though those are awesome too!) and the Plumber’s Mate Mysteries are just such books. Plus, it’s a series that follows the same couple, which can be rare – most “sequels” in m/m fiction tend to be companion novels.
Heat Trap by J.L. Merrow - the latest in an #mmromance and mystery series that follows the SAME couple! #ontheblog #bookbloggers Click To TweetWhile I don’t always rate books I read, I gave the first two books (Pressure Head and Relief Valve) four stars, and I rated Heat Trap five stars on Goodreads. Once again, this book features a mystery that Tom and his PI boyfriend, Phil, must try and solve. Tom’s a plumber by trade – hence the series’ title – but he also has the ability to find things that have been purposely hidden, connecting the emotion of the hider with it, so sometimes it’s a bit cheeky, but other times (in the case of murders), it’s much darker. As for Phil and Tom, they have been growing their relationship across all of these books and I love how they are growing closer, as well as getting to know more about each other. Phil and Tom knew each other in school but they hadn’t seen each other in years, and a lot happened during that time period, especially because Phil was definitely not out back in the day.
I feel like this series just gets better and better. The mysteries are all intriguing, and I love when Tom uses his abilities, but I also like the growth of a relationship across multiple books. It feels natural and realistic. I definitely recommend this series, and Heat Trap in particular.
I like a book with mystery. I have not read this author but thanks for sharing!
It’s been so long since I read an m/m romance and am definitely in the mood for it! Also that guy on the cover has super pretty eyes. <3 😉
Thank you for sharing! I’ve never actually heard of this series or author but I’m going to have to put it on my to-read list.
I’ve never read a m/m romance (I’m not really a romance novel reader), but I have heard that the Captive Prince is good. I don’t know if I’ll ever pick it up, but good to know that for those that enjoy m/m romance, this is another option for folks!
So glad you are loving this series!
This sounds like a good series. I like romance – all kinds – but I also like that there is a mystery going on along side of the romance. I think that adds a lot to keep your interest!
It is always a good sign to me when the series gets better and better as you go.
Been looking for a new book to enjoy. Will find this one.
That’s fantastic that your tar rating went up with the third book in this series. It’s usually the opposite.
“the ability to find things that have been purposely hidden, connecting the emotion of the hider with it” – is this like a Sherlock Holmes thing or actual power he has?
I meant star rating.
Actually power! Yeah, I never know how to describe it. But he can actually sense the emotion of the hider/item!
Oh Im into this!
I like that the series is so much more than just a romance. That’s always a big selling point with me and this sounds especially good since it has a mystery in it.
I do really enjoy romances series that follows the same characters over several books. This one sounds like it would be a wonderful read. I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Love to hear that a series improves over time. There are series that start out promising, but lose a little of the spark that made it great with the second or third book. Great review!
I’m a fan of the series, too. I was glad to grab up books four and five so I can press forward with Tom and Phil and all the other fun characters. Like you, I enjoy these for more than the romance. I like the more general focus that having the mysteries and Tom’s personal and family stories to go with the romance. And he is just so cheeky. LOL
Omg, so cheeky! I love it. I’m so glad you enjoy the series too.
Looks like a fun read- thanks. Just what I need, more books to read. 😉 But on it.
I’m glad you are continuing to enjoy this series. I know you enjoy your M/M reads and it sounds like this one was just as good as the others.
oh that’s awesome to hear that the series goes better like that!
I love a good mystery! This book sounds really fun. 🙂
I love series with the same couple!!! I will definitely have to look this one up.
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
How great that the series is just as strong (if not even better) three books in. And I love a series that follows the same couple.
I loved hearing your thoughts on this book and the series. Sound like an interesting read.